Abstract:
Blackberry handhelds are integrated into an organization's e-mail system
through a software package called “Blackberry Enterprise Server “(BES). Versions
of BES are available for Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise.
While individual users may be able to use a wireless provider's e-mail services
without having to install BES themselves, organizations with multiple users usually
run BES on their own network. Some third-party companies provide hosted BES solutions.
Every Blackberry has a unique id called Blackberry PIN which is used
to
identify the device to the BES. BES can act as a sort of e-mail relay
for corporate accounts so that users always have access to their e-mail. The software
monitors the user's local "inbox", and when a new message comes in,
it picks up the message and passes it to Rim’s Network Operations Center (NOC).
The messages are then relayed to the user's wireless provider, which
in turn delivers them to the user's Blackberry device. This is called "push
e-mail," because all new e-mails, contacts and calendar entries are "pushed"
out to the Blackberry device automatically, as opposed to the user synchronizing
the data by hand.
Device storage also enables the mobile user to access all data offline
in areas without wireless service. As soon as the user connects again, the BES sends
the latest data. An included feature in the newer models of the Blackberry is the
ability for it to track your current location through Trilateration.
What is Blackberry Technology?
The recent Blackberry 9000 series has been designed and work on the
Intel Xscale 624MHz CPU. The earlier version of Blackberry cell phones worked
with an 80MHz processor and were hence comparatively slower in downloading 3G web
pages.
Blackberry uses an IPD file for its data storage. A single IPD is
used for the database handling which makes the performance even faster.
The technology encompasses simple features like calendar, reminders
and games, along with the basic applications of making and receiving calls and messages.
Besides the basic features it also allows you to send emails and browse web pages.
The manufacturers have also tied up with various vendors like
Microsoft, IBM and Novell to integrate Outlook, Notes and Groupwise
into these phones. Almost all the phones manufactured with the Blackberry
technology have Bluetooth integrated in them. Some models also have inbuilt cellular
'walkie talkie' feature.
How it works
As we all know, there is always software behind the hardware. This
holds true for the blackberry as well. Blackberry Server Software comes in two forms
1. BlackBerry Professional Software (BPS)
2. BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)
The way that the BlackBerry server works applies to both the BlackBerry
Professional Software (BPS) and the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)
The basic steps in receiving an email on a blackberry device are as
follows :
1. The email message is sent.
2. Message arrives at your email server (usually the exchange server)
and is sent as normal to your PC/ Laptop (as in fig 3.1).
3. The BlackBerry server (the mail is delivered using a "push"
concept to the Blackberry Enterprise Server) compresses, encrypts and forwards
the message automatically to your BlackBerry handset.
4. Message arrives at the BlackBerry via the Internet and the mobile
carrier's network.
5. The Blackberry handheld device receives decrypts and decompresses
the email, and alerts the user.
What are the advantages of Blackberry technology?
1. Email: Blackberry provides email accessing facility with its
wireless extension. Normal email activities can be performed without hassles. It
remains continuously connected to the wireless network which enables the user to
access email. The mail will appear on the device without retrieving it.
2. Phone: The Blackberry hand held has all the features of a mobile.
In addition it has digital walkie-talkie, SIP based IP telephony and also
provides headsets with comfort, clarity and convenience.
3. Wireless Internet: The hand held phone have special features which
enables to browse the internet by clicking and scroll track wheel for navigating
the pages and types the URLs by using QWERTY keyboards.
4. Tethered Modem: Some of the Blackberry hand held devices are available
with features like speedy wireless services with fast email and browsing experiences.
This device acts as a tethered modem without carrying a wireless PC card.
5. Organizer: The mobile is provided with functionality regarding
day to day activities.
6. SMS: Blackberry devices support the facility of sending and receiving
text messages.
7. Instant Messaging: This feature helps the user for contacting people
once they are connected to the wireless network.
8. Corporate Data Access: Business goals can be achieved with access
to the corporate data, by using wireless connectivity technology.
9. Paging: Some of the Blackberry models provide paging services
to the Blackberry users who do not have an email account.